Chief's Larry Johnson Suspended For Gay Slurs

NFL News - October 29th, 2009 - Written by John

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson has been officially suspended for comments he made on his twitter account. Johnson made two gay slurs that have resulted in his punishment. The two time Pro Bowler will not be able to return to the team until November 9. His agent, Peter Shaffer, said the total dollar amount lost by Johnson would be around $600,000, which includes a game check and other lost revenue. Shaffer said that he would appeal the suspension and has consulted with the Players Association.

"We will be filing an appeal on behalf of Larry tomorrow," Schaffer told The Associated Press. "While we respect the Chiefs' ability to try to discipline a player, we disagree and respectfully disagree that the punishment they propose is warranted by the facts or allowable by the collective bargaining agreement. Hopefully, we will be able to work out a mutual and positive resolution with the Chiefs short of a hearing. If we don't, then this will go to an arbitrator."

The comments made by Johnson came following the team's 37-7 loss to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. He made the gay slur to one of his followers on his twitter account on Sunday night. Earlier he had posted comments regarding the qualifications of head coach Todd Haley. On Monday, Johnson told reporters that he was not commenting on the issue, but found himself whispering the slur once again according to the Kansas City Star and they have posted audio of the comment. A three sentence news release the team issued on Wednesday night stated only that Johnson was suspended for conduct detrimental to the club. The star running back, who just needs 75 yards to break the team record, did issue an apology on Tuesday.

This is not the first issue that Johnson has been reprimanded for. In 2008, he plead guilty to disturbing the peace for two incidents at Kansas City nightclubs and was suspended for three games and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell tacked on an additional one game suspension.

Johnson had his two best seasons in 2005 and 2006 where rushed for over 1,700 yards in each of these. He also made the Pro Bowl in these two seasons, but has not lived up to expectations over the past two years. This year, he has only rushed for 358 yards and has not found the end zone for the struggling Chiefs who are just 1-6 this season. Kansas City is entering their bye week and if the appeal is not successful, he not will be eligible to return until after their game on November 8 against Jacksonville.

To discuss this and other NFL related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums/